Total Chef Retro 20L Microwave Oven (700W) with Digital LED Display, 8 Preset Modes & 60 Min Timer
Product description
If you want a compact microwave that looks the part on the countertop and is still practical day-to-day, the Total Chef Retro 20L is designed for exactly that. It’s a mini microwave with a digital LED display, simple controls, and a fairly broad set of 8 pre-set modes for common meal types.
That said, it’s not trying to be a big, multi-function oven replacement. On paper, it fits best where you need straightforward reheating and basic cooking in a smaller footprint—think flat kitchens, offices, or caravan/RV use.
What it is and why people buy it
The Total Chef Retro Microwave Oven is a freestanding microwave in a retro-inspired red design with chrome-style accents. The idea is simple: bring microwave functionality to smaller spaces without making your kitchen feel cluttered. With a 20L capacity and 700W cooking power, it sits in the “everyday mini” category—useful for reheating leftovers, warming snacks, and cooking items where pre-set programmes help take the guesswork out of timing.
A practical way to think about it: you might use the presets in the morning for something like potato or fish, then rely on the timer for a quick reheat in the evening. The controls include Quick Start and Weight/Time Defrost, which can make day-to-day operation feel less fiddly than older dial-only models.
Where it shines in daily use
The headline convenience feature here is the set of 8 pre-set modes. Based on the information provided, these cover several common options, including coffee, rice, pasta, potato, fish, pizza and popcorn. If you regularly microwave the same kinds of meals, presets can save a bit of time and help you get repeatable results.
The digital LED display and the blend of dial plus push-button controls are also geared towards “get on with it” usability. It’s paired with a 60 min timer, and the removable glass turntable (plus roller ring) is intended to make cleaning easier.
Controls, defrosting, and timing: how straightforward it feels
Operation is designed around shortcuts rather than complex menu navigation. Quick Start is included for when you just want to ramp up heating immediately.
For thawing, there’s Weight/Time Defrost. That’s the kind of option that can help if you don’t want to sit there manually adjusting time. Still, do bear in mind that microwaves vary quite a bit in how evenly they heat different foods—so results can depend on portion size, container, and how you arrange items on the turntable.
Key specs you’ll likely care about
- Capacity: 20L
- Cooking power: 700W
- Timer: 60 min
- Presets: 8 pre-set modes
- Power levels: 5 cooking power levels
- Display/controls: digital LED display with dial and push-button controls
- Turntable: removable glass turntable (with roller ring)
Who it suits best (and who should be cautious)
It’s a decent fit if you need a compact countertop microwave that’s aimed at everyday reheating and simple cooking, especially in smaller spaces. It also suits people who like having a few presets to cover common foods, rather than calculating time and power every time.
You may want to skip it if you’re expecting a microwave to do everything in the way a larger, higher-spec unit or a more advanced multi-function appliance might. With only 5 cooking power levels and a preset set that’s focused on specific food categories, it can feel more “mid-range practical” than “fully flexible”. Also, if you routinely heat very large dishes, the compact footprint and mini capacity could feel limiting.
Worth noting: the removable parts are described as dishwasher-safe for the turntable and roller ring. That’s helpful, but you’ll still want to wipe the interior regularly—especially around the door area—because microwaves can pick up splatters over time.
Care and maintenance that makes sense
The removable glass turntable and roller ring are intended to be easier to keep clean, and the exterior is designed to be straightforward to wipe down. In real kitchens, that matters more than it sounds: a microwave that’s easy to clean tends to get used more often.
For best results, make sure the turntable sits correctly and spins freely after you remove and wash it—misalignment is an easy way to end up with uneven heating.
Final verdict
It makes sense if you want a compact, retro-style Total Chef microwave for day-to-day reheating, basic cooking, and quick defrosting, with the convenience of 8 pre-set modes and a 60 min timer. The 700W power and 20L capacity should cover typical household or small-space use.
It might not be the best match if you need maximum flexibility, very large-capacity cooking, or you’re looking for a more premium feature set beyond presets and basic power levels. If you’re choosing between this kind of mini microwave and a bigger, more feature-heavy appliance, decide based on your space and how often you’ll actually use custom time/power versus presets.
Mini FAQ
Does it include defrost options?
Yes. It includes Quick Start and Weight/Time Defrost options for defrosting convenience.
How many pre-set modes are there?
There are 8 pre-set cooking modes, covering items such as coffee, rice, pasta, potato, fish, pizza and popcorn.
Is the turntable removable?
Yes. The glass turntable is removable and there is also a roller ring, both described as dishwasher-safe.
What’s the timer range?
It features a 60 min timer.
Is it suitable for small spaces?
The product is positioned as a compact, space-saving microwave, intended for places like apartments, dorms, caravans/RVs and offices.